ICC Confirms Charges Against Duterte for Crimes Against Humanity in Philippines’ War on Drugs

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed all charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and committed him to trial for crimes against humanity related to his “war on drugs” policy.

Judges of the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I unanimously concluded on Thursday that there are substantial grounds to believe Duterte, aged 81, played a key role in the murder of 76 people and the attempted murder of two others as part of his anti-drugs crackdown, which prosecutors say resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians in the Philippines between 2016 and 2022.

The court found that the available evidentiary material shows the existence of a common plan between Duterte and his co-perpetrators to kill alleged criminals, including those perceived or associated with drug use, sale, or production, through violent acts such as murder.

Prosecutors have alleged that Duterte created, funded, and armed death squads to target suspected narcotics dealers and users during his presidency and his earlier term as mayor of Davao City. The charges stem from a years-long campaign that rights groups say killed thousands.

Duterte, who was arrested in Manila last year and transferred to The Hague, has denied the charges, insisting he instructed police to kill only in self-defence. He has been in ICC detention since March 2025.

The pre-trial judges emphasized that the alleged crimes were committed as part of a “widespread and systematic attack” against the civilian population during Duterte’s presidency, which began in 2016.

While the date of the trial has not yet been set, the confirmation of charges marks a significant legal step in the international accountability process for the former Philippine leader.